Carrara is the most common marble found in Italy. Quarried in the city of Carrara, Italy, this marble has been used for centuries to create Renaissance sculptures, exquisite furniture pieces, and as flooring for pantheons. Carrara Marble has a softer hue, showing a blue-gray feathery veining instead of a striking white background. Today, Carrara marble is still a very popular choice for things like countertops, floors, and tiles.
Carrara marble comes in various shades, categorized as C and CD grades. Grade C is whiter with lighter gray veins, while CD grade is a bit greyer with darker veins. Due to the coloring, grade C is pricier, while CD is a more budget-friendly alternative.
Even though Carrara marble is particularly common in Italy, it's still seen as a luxury material as more pricey marbles like Calacatta or Statuario.
What Are The Benefits of Carrara Marble Floor?
Marble is a luxurious material that can enhance any space. It's a great option for floor material because it not only looks timeless but is also highly durable and can withstand heavy traffic. Here are some of the ultimate reasons why Carrara marble remains a top choice for adding timeless charm to personal or public spaces.
Timeless Beauty
Carrara marble is famous for its timeless beauty and elegant aesthetics. Its soft, white stone with delicate gray veins oozes subtle sophistication, adding a touch of luxury to any space. The natural variations in patterns and colors make each piece one-of-a-kind, allowing you to create a personalized ambiance.
Added Property Value
Using Carrara marble will automatically increase the financial value of any property. Its beauty, clean look, and unique character can transform a space from an ordinary to an elegant and luxurious one!
Easy Maintenance
Contrary to popular belief, Carrara marble is easy to maintain. It just needs regular cleaning to keep its lustrous appearance intact. You should also understand the dos and don'ts of cleaning Carrara marble to ensure the best protection for your marble floor. For example, it is a must to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as this can harm the marble surface.
Durability
This natural stone is exceptionally strong and resistant to scratches and cracks, making it perfect for high-traffic areas. With proper care, the Carrara marble floor can last for generations while retaining its authentic beauty.
Cool to the Touch
One exceptional quality of Carrara marble is that it stays cool, even in warm climates. This makes it a popular choice for creating a refreshing and comfortable surface.
Unique
Each piece of marble is unique due to its natural creation. Slabs from the same block may display subtle differences in veining or color. Utilizing Carrara marble for your space will be like owning a piece of original artwork created by nature.
While Carrara marble is not as costly as other marble, choosing the right Carrara marble for your flooring is crucial. There are specific qualities and options to consider for a perfect addition to your space! For example, the veining patterns, the quality of the marble, and the color variations. Although Carrara marble color mainly consists of white with gray veining, there are variations in the color intensity and undertones.
How to Clean Carrara Marble Floors?
Carrara marble is pretty easy to maintain. Mainly, it will only need some regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure the marble looks its best and can last for a long time!
Tools Needed to Clean Carrara Marble
Before you begin the regular cleaning, make sure you have these cleaning tools below within your reach.
- Broom or vacuum cleaner: If you opt to use a vacuum cleaner, don't press it too hard on your marble to avoid scratching.
- Microfiber cloth: Microfiber cloth is much gentler than normal cloth, and is also more absorbent to remove water droplets to prevent staining.
- Cleaning solution: The best cleaning solution to clean Carrara marble is a specialized marble cleaner. This material will be safer to use because it is specially formulated for marble. But if you don't have any in your home, you can use mild dish soap instead. Remember to use the mild one, as many common dish soap have acids derived from animal fat. Allowing your marble to get exposed to acid can result in damage.
- Warm water: Warm water is easier to use to remove germs and is best for diluting cleaning chemicals.
Step-by-Step to Clean Carrara Marble
- Step 1: Begin by sweeping or vacuuming the marble floor. Doing this is important to ensure Carrara marble is free of dirt and dust, which can scratch the marble if left on the surfaces for too long.
- Step 2: Mix warm water and mild soap to create a cleaning solution. But if you opt to clean with a marble cleaner make sure to read the usage instructions first.
- Step 3: Expose the floor with the mixture of the cleaning solution, make sure to target the mess and surrounding area. Use the microfiber mop to wipe down the floor slowly, absorbing as much of the water excess.
- Step 4: After finishing wiping off your Carrara marble, use another microfiber cloth or soft rag to wipe down the floor making sure it is completely dry to avoid water stains.
Do this cleaning ritual every once or several times a week to keep your Carrara marble look attractive and spotless at all times!
Other Cleaning Tips
Carrara marble is indeed an exquisite material to use as a flooring material. However, Carrara marble is also susceptible to various forms of damage over the years, especially when not being maintained properly. By understanding how to perform proper and regular maintenance for your marble, you can ensure that its flawless look can be well-preserved. Thus, aside from regular cleaning, you should also follow these tips to ensure your Carrara marble is in its best shape!
Sealing
It's important to seal Carrara marble at least 3 times a year using a high-quality marble sealant. This step is crucial for nearly all types of naturally porous stones. Sealants serve to fill the natural holes and pits in the stone, preventing the absorption of dirt, spills, and moisture. Using sealant will help prolong Carrara marble life and preserve its natural appearance.
Polishing
Polishing can help maintain Carrara marble shine, and helps eliminate any roughness on the marble's surface. You can hire a professional to polish the marble floor or take a do-it-yourself approach using a buffing pad and marble powder. For the best result, Carrara marble should be polished two or three times a year.
Cleaning Heavy Stains
To clean heavy stains on your Carrara marble, you can use hydrogen peroxide or baking soda. Remember to never use acidic solutions such as vinegar or lemon juice. Exposing marble to highly acidic solutions such as these two, will result in damage to your marble.
1) Water and Hydrogen Peroxide
This method is best used when dealing with tough food stains. First mix warm water with 12% hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the stained area, and gently rub it with a microfiber cloth in a small circular motion. If the stain persists, keep doing this. Lastly, rinse the Carrara marble with warm water to remove any residue, and use a dry microfiber cloth to prevent any water stains.
2) Water and Baking Soda
This method is effective for heavy stains that can't be removed using soap, or hydrogen peroxide. Begin by sprinkling some baking soda on the stained area. Use a damp microfiber cloth to rub the baking soda on the surface. Afterward, rinse the surfaces with warm water and check whether the stain has been removed or not. If not, repeat the steps 1 to 3 times until the stain is thoroughly cleaned. Once the stain is gone, rinse the Carrara marble with water to eliminate the baking soda residue. Finish it off by using a dry and soft rag to absorb any remaining water.
The Do’s and Don’ts for Cleaning Carrara Marble
Book Luce Service Today!
To ensure your Carrara marble floor can preserve its beauty and longevity for years to come, it might be best to let Luce handle your marble cleaning needs.
By hiring our reliable cleaner, you don't have to worry anymore about how to clean your expensive marble, as our professional cleaner can do it in your place. Wait no more and contact us today to book a cleaning session!
